Pac-10 spring breakout players for 2010

Published on February 11, 2010 by     

Who will breakout and make a move toward stardom this season?

Most of these guys aren’t “new,” but they could make the next step up in their careers this spring.

Oregon

Diante Jackson, WR, RFr: Many thought Jackson would offer immediate help to the Ducks’ receiving corps as a true freshman, but, instead, he was a scout team star last year. The Ducks are looking for a dynamic, play-making presence at wideout and Jackson might be the guy.

Oregon State

The Unga brothers: The Beavers lost Keaton Kristick to graduation and Keith Pankey may miss 2010 with an Achilles injury, so there are opportunities at linebacker. These twin brothers — Kevin “Feti” Unga and Devin “Uani” Unga — could fight their way into the mix.

Stanford

Shayne Skov, LB, So: Skov started seven games last year as a true freshman and ended up third on the Cardinal with 62 tackles. The early returns are Skov will be first-team All-Pac-10 before he’s done.

UCLA

Cory Harkey, TE, Jr: With the departure of Logan Paulsen and Ryan Moya, Harkey will finally get his chance to take center stage. He caught eight passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in 2009. His production will be many times that in 2010.

USC

T.J. McDonald, S, So: First off, the son of former USC legend Tim McDonald is listed at 205 pounds. Really? He looks bigger — in a good way. And he’s a hitter. He had seven tackles as a backup to strong safety Will Harris last year, but he could play either free or strong.

Washington

Talia Crichton, DE, So: Crichton was forced into action last year as a true freshman — he started four games — because the Huskies lacked depth on the defensive line. With the departure of both starting ends — and the questionable status of Kalani Aldrich’s knee — Crichton is almost certain to ascend to a first-team spot. Here’s a guess he’s better prepared in 2010.

Pac-10 spring breakout players – Pac-10 Blog – ESPN.

Tags: Achilles Injury, Beavers, Crichton, Criner, Defensive Line, Early Returns, Ernest Owusu, ESPN, Feti, Four Games, Harkey, Juron, Kalani Aldrich, Pac 10, Pankey, Receivers Coach, Ryan Moya, Scout Team, Seven Games, Skov, Spring Breakout, Stardom, Starting Lineup, Strong Safety, Sun Devils, T J Mcdonald, Tim Mcdonald, Touchdown Receptions, True Freshman